Blackboard announced the availability of Release 3.6 of Blackboard Transact, and with it the introduction of a contactless campus system that aims to make the student experience both convenient and secure.

Utilizing Sony’s Felica technology, Blackboard Transact permits equipped cards and mobile phones to make payment and grant entry with a wave or a tap. Students can get into secure buildings and facilities, pay for books, meals and laundry and even access campus events.

With the release of Blackboard Transact 3.6, the company also introduced a new contactless card reader, the model VR4100 contactless vending reader. The reader supports Bluetooth and full video playback, allowing for video advertising, alerts and notifications and other special messages on a full color touch screen.